Since our friend and artist Joe Forrester's passing, it's been three years since we've had an original Joe Forrester painting showcased in our gallery, but this past week we were able to bring two of his beautiful original paintings back to Just Looking Gallery. Both of these original oil paintings on linen are in pristine condition and framed in Joe's signature, hand crafted studio oak frames.

Born in 1925, Joe Forrester grew up in Southern California and joined the United States Navy while still in high school. After serving in the Pacific during WWII on the US Navy destroyer USS Robinson, Joe Forrester enrolled in the Jepson Art Institute. Majoring in Illustration and Studio Painting, Joe studied and worked under a celebrated staff of nationally recognized instructors. Graduating in 1949, he began his career as an advertising art director. After working for several Los Angeles based advertising agencies, he retired as Vice President, executive art director of Foote, Cone and Belding of Los Angeles. Retiring to the Central Coast of California, Joe began to paint the natural landscape that surrounded him. Joe always found timeless beauty in the quiet forgotten barns of the Central Coast and these two pieces capture something nostalgic for us. These originals showcase his unique painting style with his extraordinary atmospheric perspective and his meticulous attention to detail. Cheers to an exceptionally talented painter and gifted story-teller that will always hold a special place in our hearts and our gallery's history.